Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Charlotte
Celebrate the holiday season with the whole family at these events.
by Arielle Patterson Nov 07, 2023
The Queen City celebrates the holiday season with festive performances, jolly markets and dazzling light displays. From age 1 to 100, everyone will be in the holiday spirit with these family-friendly events in Charlotte.
The Real Christmas Story
When: Nov. 3-Dec. 30
Area: Fort Mill, S.C.
Enjoy dinner and a show at NarroWay Production’s retelling of the story of Christmas. Indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with turkey and pumpkin pie, as you’re captivated by the talented actors, live animals and inspiring music on stage.
Southern Christmas Show
When: Nov. 9-19
Area: East Charlotte
The largest Christmas show in North America returns to the Park Expo and Conference Center for 12 days of holiday shopping. Browse the on-site vendors to find gifts for everyone on your list, marvel at the ornate trees on Christmas Tree Lane, nibble on festive snacks and let the kids take a picture with Santa.
The Polar Express Train Ride
When: Nov. 10-11, 17-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 7-10, 12-23
Area: Spencer, N.C.
All aboard the Polar Express! Inspired by the hit holiday film, “The Polar Express.” the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, less than an hour north of Charlotte, is offering festive train rides set to the movie’s soundtrack. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies on your way to the North Pole.
Movies in the Park
When: Nov. 11, 25, Dec. 8, 23
Area: Belmont
Grab some blankets and chairs and head to Stowe Park, in the city of Belmont located 30 minutes from Uptown, for holiday movies. A jumbo outdoor screen will display “Home Alone,” “Jingle All the Way,” “Arthur Christmas” and “The Santa Clause” on select dates.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
When: Nov. 17-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-22
Neighborhood: Uptown
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” a hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy for families of all ages, at the McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn. Find out what happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” audition for the annual Christmas pageant.
WinterFest
When: Select nights Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2024
Area: South Charlotte
WinterFest at Carowinds is one of the most immersive holiday events in the Carolinas. See the theme park decked out with shimmering lights as you enjoy the live entertainment, holiday-inspired food and drinks, ice skating, shops and the nightly WinterFest Wonderland Parade.
Speedway Christmas
When: Nov. 17-Jan. 7, 2024
Area: Concord
Charlotte Motor Speedway glitters with more than five million lights on a four-mile course during Speedway Christmas, the largest drive-thru holiday light show in the Southeast. Thursday through Sunday, shop the infield Christmas Village or watch a holiday movie on the Speedway’s giant TV.
Light the Knights
When: Select nights Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 2024
Neighborhood: Uptown
Experience the holiday season at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. The playing field is transformed into an NHL-sized outdoor rink where you can ice skate, learn to play hockey and watch ice skating shows. This event also features a market on the concourse, walk-through light show, snow tubing and more.
Holidays at the Garden
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 23
Area: Belmont
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden dazzles during the holidays with light displays throughout the garden. As you make your way along the lighted paths, passing ornate decorations, stay warm with hot chocolate and cider then stop at one of the on-site food trucks for a bite to eat.
Festival of Trees
When: Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 2024
Area: Belmont
Stowe Park in Belmont is filled with festive trees throughout the month of December. This annual event kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 27. Find out which of the showcased trees took first, second and third place in each of the categories.
Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center
When: Nov. 17 through mid-February 2024
Area: West Charlotte
Every winter, the U.S. National Whitewater Center transforms the Upper Pond into a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience for all ages and skill levels. Glide along the ice, divided into four skating areas, then warm up with a hot beverage from the on-site air stream.
Christmas in Davidson
When: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Area: Davidson
Celebrate the holiday season north of Charlotte in Davidson. For one weekend, Davidson’s Main Street is filled with roaming entertainment, brightly colored lights and holiday cheer for the whole family. Mark your calendar for the 41st Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.
The Winter Wonderland Shop
When: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Neighborhood: Uptown
Give children a reminder that this is the season of giving as they shop for their own gifts at The Winter Wonderland Shop. This family-focused shopping event at ImaginOn allows kids to buy pre-wrapped gifts at a low cost to give to their loved ones.
Christmas at the Library
When: Dec. 1-23
Area: West Charlotte
One of the highlights of Christmas at the Library at Billy Graham Library is the live nativity scene, complete with animals. Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides around the library grounds, Christmas carolers, a children’s story time and more.
Host the perfect holiday gathering with ease, creating memories that shine all season long.
Christmas Town USA
When: Dec. 1-26
Area: McAdenville, N.C.
People come from all over the country to visit Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, located less than 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte. Spend the evening walking along charming downtown McAdenville, including the historic area adorned with thousands of lights. The celebration kicks off with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
When: Dec. 7-30
Area: Ballantyne
Take a stroll through Ballantyne’s Backyard, outfitted with over one million holiday lights. Along the outdoor walking trail, you’ll find hundreds of Christmas trees, larger-than-life holiday installations, performers on select nights and an appearance from Santa himself.
Nutcracker
When: Dec. 8-23
Neighborhood: Uptown
Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition. Magic fills the stage with glittering snowfall, dancing sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Charlotte Ballet presents this whimsical show, at Belk Theater, with choreography from Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
The 69th Annual Singing Christmas Tree
When: Dec. 9-10
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Carolina Voices presents an evening of singing and merriment at Halton Theater on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College. The group will perform holiday favorites around a decorated 32-foot-tall tree. The dazzling stage will also feature whimsical dances, magic tricks and more heart-warming performances.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast
When: Dec. 10
Area: South Charlotte
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Levine Jewish Community Center. This breakfast is free for children to attend and take part in Hanukkah games and activities. There will even be an appearance from Clifford the Big Red Dog, perfect for family photos.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
When: Dec. 11
Area: Matthews
Kick off Chanukah with the annual menorah lighting at Matthews Town Hall Library, presented by Chabad of Charlotte. This free, family-friendly event includes music, dreidels, Chanukah treats and more.
North Carolina Christmas Festival
When: Dec. 16
Area: Concord
Take free photos with Santa at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center during the North Carolina Christmas Festival. This annual holiday experience also features a free toy giveaway for kids, free gift wrapping, Christmas-themed coloring sheets and word searches, ornament decorating and so much more.
Countdown to Christmas
When: Dec. 18-22
Where: The Union Station West
Celebrate the days leading up to Christmas with a week of special events for the whole family including crafts, Christmas movies, bingo, story hour, and photos with Santa. Plus, special holiday drinks at the coffee shop.
Undeck the Hall
When: Dec. 26
Neighborhood: Uptown
The day after Christmas, head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame to “undeck” the Hall. Longtime racing lovers and future fans alike delight in grabbing a NASCAR-themed gift from one of the trees. The gifting fun continues until all of the presents are gone.
Kwanzaa Charlotte
When: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2024
Neighborhood: Citywide
Celebrate Kwanzaa with historical, educational and artistic programs throughout Charlotte. Each day is inspired by one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
The most magical time of the year is closer than you think...
